Are Collagen Peptides Good For You? All About Collagen Supplements

Every day hundreds of people stir collagen peptides into their morning coffee. This innocuous white powder disappears into their drinks with no one else the wiser. But maybe they should be telling their friends about what they are doing. Maybe we should shout about collagen from the rooftops. But that would be too dramatic so instead we write blog posts. Are you ready to find out what makes collagen so buzz worthy?

What Is Collagen And Why Do People Take Collagen Supplements?

Collagen is a protein that is essentially the glue holding your body together, and it makes up about a third of the body’s protein. It supports the integrity of skin, hair, joints, and bones, and therefore helps with keeping your skin firm and elastic. However, as we age, natural collagen production slows down, which can lead to sagging skin, brittle nails, and aching joints. That’s why many people choose collagen supplements to give their body a little extra support from the inside out.

Lesser Known Benefits Of Collagen 

Beyond the well-known perks like better skin and stronger joints, collagen peptides offer some lesser-known benefits. They may help improve gut health by strengthening the tissues of the digestive tract, because one of the amino acids in collagen, glycine, plays a role in maintaining the gut lining (1,2,3). Collagen may also support heart health by promoting artery flexibility and reducing stiffness (4). Some studies even suggest collagen may protect bone mass density during menopause when women are more at risk of developing brittle bones (5). Additionally, collagen’s glycine content might promote better sleep by calming the nervous system and supporting a more restful night’s sleep (6).

How To Get Collagen Naturally – What Foods Are High In Collagen

The good news is that collagen isn’t exclusively found in supplements—you can also get it from certain foods. It doesn’t occur in plants, but your body can synthesize collagen out of the amino acids in some plants such as spinach and broccoli. For complete collagen you can consume animal sources such as organ meats (liver, kidney, heart), beef bone broth, or gelatin. Additionally, foods that are high in protein may help to increase collagen production. For example, eggs, legumes, and fish are protein sources that contain the amino acids that make up collagen. Lastly, certain micronutrients are involved in the production of collagen, so you want to be sure that your diet includes sources of vitamin C and zinc. What this all boils down to is that if you eat a well balanced diet, you should be providing your body with the nutrients it needs in order to create collagen.

Why Consider Collagen Supplements?

While getting collagen from food is possible, collagen supplements offer unique benefits that diet alone might not provide. For one, food sources of collagen like bone broth or organ meats aren’t always convenient to prepare or palatable for everyone. Plus, the amount of collagen you’d need to eat to match what you get from a supplement can be hard to reach on a daily basis. Collagen supplements are hydrolyzed, meaning they are broken down into smaller, more easily absorbed peptides, making it simpler for your body to use them efficiently. This can lead to quicker, more noticeable benefits, like smoother skin or more comfort in your joints. Additionally, collagen supplements offer a consistent, concentrated source of this key protein, allowing you to support your collagen levels even when your diet isn’t perfect.

What Kind Of Collagen Supplements Are There

Collagen supplements come in a variety of forms, so you can choose what’s the best fit for your lifestyle and needs. One of the most popular options is collagen powder, which is easy to mix into your morning coffee, smoothies, or even baked goods. It’s virtually tasteless, dissolves quickly, and provides a flexible way to add collagen to your daily routine. For those who prefer a more straightforward approach, collagen capsules are available. They’re pre-measured, convenient, and perfect for people on the go. Another option is collagen drinks, often pre-mixed with other nutrients like vitamins and antioxidants, which makes it a grab-and-go solution to up your collagen intake.

These supplements can also differ by the type of collagen they contain. Type I collagen, the most common, primarily supports skin, hair, and bones, while Type II focuses more on joint and cartilage health. Some supplements combine multiple types, offering broader benefits in one product. Hydrolyzed collagen (AKA collagen peptides), which is broken down into smaller peptides, is often the go-to form for better absorption. 

Collagen peptides can be derived from various sources such as bovine (cow), porcine (pork), avian (chicken), or marine (fish). Marine collagen is the most popular type because it is highly bioavailable and great for skin. Choosing the right collagen supplement comes down to your goals, whether that’s glowing skin, stronger joints, or simply adding a consistent collagen boost to your day.

Other Considerations When Choosing A Collagen Supplement

When choosing a collagen supplement or, in fact, any supplement, it’s important to make sure that it comes from a reputable source. You want to be sure the ingredients in your supplement are pure and safe. One of the first criteria you want to check for is whether the product is GMP certified, as this indicates that it was manufactured in a safe manner. You should also check if the product has been third-party tested as this can help to ensure the purity of the supplement. Reviews and testimonials can also give you a great indication of the product’s quality and how satisfied people are with it.